Rick,
Sorry to hear you are having difficulties.
For me, the skew is the correct tool. But, when I teach, I always try to stress that you may have a DIFFERENT right tool, for you. Most important, you need to develop a technique that removes material in "ribbons". This can be done with nearly any tool, after the blank is rounded. So, there is no RIGHT way, just YOUR way that works for you.
For many years, I turned resins with a gouge. After I learned the skew it was MUCH easier. Since then, I have also turned a couple with a scraper (just to learn how to do it). Do what makes YOU comfortable. The biggest cause of problems is our nerves, I believe.
Next time you order, send a PM to me and I will send you a group of "seconds" as your "freebees". You can practice turning these. IF they come out, they will be nice pens, but the mix is not optimal, so Dawn won't sell them.
BTW, this offer is OPEN to ALL!! TELL US, if you have not turned resins and we will include some to play with. Practice leads to confidence!!
As a member once used as a signature line, "Failure is just one step on the pathway to success!!"
Good Luck